Tech Tools to Drive Sales

Technology will be a major driver of cost reduction as well as customer out-reach in the coming year(s).  Here are some “unique” things to consider:

• RepFiles is a new service being co-launched by NEMRA and John Hoelz, who is also with J.F. Nolan & Associates (which adds credibility to understanding what rep challenges are) that capitalizes on the power of tablets (iPads and Android powered ones) as rep presentation tools. Manufacturers essentially load information into an app that automatically synchs their content, through a central server, with all of their reps’ tablets. This can be a major time / communications savings for manufacturers and help ensure reps have the right presentation materials at the right time. For more information, manufacturers and reps should contact NEMRA or John Hoelz.
• ecoInsight, the developer of the NAED energy efficiency software, appears to be gaining traction. Distributor salespeople can walk around a facility, enter information into a tablet (and maybe an app), upload the data and then have a professional proposal developed. Reportedly motor and drive information is being added in Q1 2012. It’s free for the first 3 years (don’t know the cost thereafter). The software can be a leveler … expertise is not needed to conduct an energy audit. Hopefully customers value the “right” material selection so that the energy efficiency market doesn’t devolve into a commodity sale.
• Looking to reach small customers? Take a look at http://www.bizydeal.com/.  This is a “Groupon” / “LivingSocial” concept targeted at small businesses.  It was launched by an ad agency.  They’ve also recently launched HousingZone Deals to target the residential construction market and a commercial construction industry deal portal is in development. This could be a unique opportunity for distributors with commerce-enabled sites, larger regionals, national distributors or manufacturers that get creative and offer couponing / discounts through distributors.

What else are you using, seeing, exploring? And if you don’t know the software name, let us know what else you’re looking for.